In its response, the government sets out a vision of government and the construction industry working together to decarbonise the built environment by 2050.
The key points are:
The need for a new level of cooperation between government and industry.
A new government and industry board – the green construction board – is to be established to ensure that this action plan is implemented.
The need for a transparent plan of incentives and interventions.
The action plan sets out steps that the government will take in the next six months – including the publication of an updated Carbon Plan. The Plan for Growth published in March provided greater certainty around the definition of ‘zero carbon’ for new homes. Since then the Green Deal has been extended to include non-domestic properties and plans announced to use fiscal incentives for renewable heat systems.
The need to reform public procurement.
From autumn 2011, every three months the government will publish a two-year forward programme of infrastructure projects to give more certainty to the sector to invest in low carbon.
The Better Public Building Awards which will have a new focus on low carbon to promote best practice. In May the cabinet office published the government’s new construction strategy, including the requirement for 3D building information modelling to be used on government projects by 2016 to improve carbon management.
The need to make the most of export opportunities.
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The government reckons that the UK construction industry has shown itself to be world class, through its work on zero carbon new homes, on retrofitting and on major projects like the Olympics. It now plans to lead an export drive of the expertise that has been developed.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “An efficient, effective and profitable construction industry is at the heart of any growing economy.
“Meeting the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon will affect every aspect of the built environment and has the potential to provide the construction industry with a 40 year programme of work creating great opportunities for growth in the sector.
“Through this joint government and industry action plan we are making a clear commitment to the low carbon transition which will create the certainty needed for construction companies to invest in essential new skills, processes and products.”
Cabinet office minister Francis Maude said: “The government’s construction strategy, launched in May, set out a range of innovative new approaches to government construction. We have shown how, by working with the industry we can make big cost savings, whilst still investing in one of Britain’s vital industries. The IGT report demonstrates the clear advantages for both the private and public sector by adopting an energy efficient approach to construction.
“By continuing this collaboration with the industry we can help ensure that individuals and companies are well placed to adopt low carbon solutions now and in the future.”
Government chief construction advisor Paul Morrell said: “I am delighted that the government has taken on board so many of the recommendations from the IGT report which was developed with expertise from across industry.
“To ensure that construction rises to the low carbon challenge we need to continue this new level of cooperation so I am also pleased that a joint government and industry board has been set up to ensure implementation of this plan.”
The plan published today is the government’s response to the industry’s Innovation Growth Team report, presented by government chief construction advisor Paul Morrell in November 2010.
The full report can be read athttp://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/l/11-976-low-carbon-construction-action-plan.pdf
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